While the mainstream Pokémon games have wide appeal – accessible for newcomers, with hidden depths for older enthusiasts – its spinoffs have always been content to target a smaller niche. This summer's Poképark Wii was best suited to a very young audience, while Guardian Signs aims a little higher, albeit still with its sights trained on the pre-teen market.

Rather than defeating Pokémon in turn-based battles, the player must convey feelings of friendship towards the creatures by rapidly drawing circles around them using the DS stylus. It's hardly elegant, but the frantic nature of the combat will likely appeal to younger gamers. Befriended Pokémon can use their abilities to assist in tougher battles or to clear obstacles, revealing new routes across the fairly substantial island levels.

With around 300 Pokémon to encounter and catch, it's a hefty adventure, extended by lengthy dialogue sequences that will likely test the patience of its intended audience. Indeed, the plot takes its convolutions far too seriously, while the attempts at humour mostly fall flat. Pokémon fanatics will relish the opportunity to transfer rare monsters to their HeartGold and SoulSilver games – and to kill time until the March release of Pokémon Black and White – but otherwise this is a rare mis-step for Nintendo.